Yming

just walked in there off the street., they couldn't sit us straight away, but offered a table in 30 min. so after a quick drink around the corner we came back to a more than good chinese meal. the food was good, bordering on excellent, service wasn't the fastest i've experienced, but ok. staff was very friendly though, and at the end, the bill was a pleasant surprise.

Y-Ming is a cut above the plethora of Chinese restaurants in and around Gerard Street. Situated kilter-corner to Kettners, painted unmissable cyan, the restaurant's interior is actually much more calm and restrained than most Chinese places, and the service is top notch. There are plenty of unusual items on the menu, which is not huge by Chinese standards, and it pays to be adventurous and take advantage of the seasonal items on the daily specials list. Dishes sound simple but are very carefully cooked and spiced – on our last visit we were blown away by a dish of cucumber with salt and chilli – incredibly clean-tasting and simple, but beautifully presented and just the thing to cleanse the mouth. Things like Fried Field Mushrooms and Cauliflower Y-Ming style are completely moreish, but in truth none of the starters I've tried have disappointed, and their take on crispy duck (both meaty and vegetarian versions) is a cut above. The only criticism I have is that a lot of it is deep fried so it's hard to be very healthy.

Pass over the familiar and plump for double boiled beef and red date soup, or their Beijing fish soup with its subtle creamy texture. Seafood is always good for the mains – the lobster and crab aren't cheap but they're not that expensive either, compared to other dishes, and the lotus leaf wrapped ‘treasure chest’ is worth trying. Wash it all down with warmed Chinese wine – rich but almost savoury, especially on the nose – and keep the courses coming. The friendly waiting staff will let you order when you feel like it… More